Seattle Generosity — United Way rakes in record $121 million

The need has never been greater, and, surprisingly, the genorisity has been overwhelming for the local United Way, which set several milestones in completing its current fundraising campaign.

P-I reporter Amy Rolph writes in Friday’s newspaper that United Way of King County announced the result of a record-breaking fundraising campaign Thursday — a total of $121 million.

Rolph notes it is by far the largest amount raised in the organization’s 86-year history, surpassing the 2004-05 fundraising campaign by $20 million. Last year, the campaign returned $39.5 million.

“We are fortunate to be among the most generous people in the world and the smartest philanthropists,” said campaign coordinator Jeff Raikes, president of Microsoft Corp.’s Business Division. Raikes, along with his wife, Tricia, set out to achieve banner results but exceeded their goal by $12 million.

They were “humbled and amazed by the generosity of the people and companies of King County,” Tricia Raikes said.

United Way staff intend to use the money to help curb homelessness in King County and to help prepare disadvantaged children for school.